UK Holocaust Centre says head of motor racing's Formula One, who was pictured in tabloid newspaper allegedly participating in orgy with prostitutes dressed as Nazi guards, should 'resign from the sport'

AFP|Published: 04.01.08 , 20:01

Jewish groups in Britain Monday condemned the head of motor racing's Formula One after he was pictured in a tabloid newspaper allegedly participating in an orgy with prostitutes dressed as Nazi guards.

The News of the World published photographs Sunday which showed Max Mosley spanking and being whipped by five girls.

Mosley, 67, the president of the FIA which governs Formula One, is shown brandishing a whip and wearing ankle chains.

Mosley's father Oswald Mosley was a friend of Adolf Hitler and led a British fascist party in the 1930s which led to him being interned by the British government during World War II.

Jewish representatives accused Mosley, who is one of the most powerful men in world sport, of insulting the victims of the Holocaust.

'What people do privately is up to them'

Stephen Smith, director of the Holocaust Centre, told The Times newspaper: "This is an insult to millions of victims, survivors and their families.

"He should apologize. He should resign from the sport."

Karen Pollock of the Holocaust Educational Trust told the Times Mosley's behavior was "sick and depraved."

Edie Friedman, the director of the Jewish Council for Racial Equality, said: "It's quite disturbing behavior especially given his history. He should definitely apologize."

Stirling Moss, the British former world champion racing driver whose father was Jewish, said Mosley had no choice but to resign.

"I don't see how he can continue. I hope he can, frankly, because I think he's very good at what he does.

"I suppose what goes on behind closed doors is his business but when a thing comes out like this... it's an absolute shocker," Moss said.

But Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said he saw no reason for Mosley to step down.

"I've known him an awful long time. If somebody had told me this without the evidence I would have found it difficult to believe," Ecclestone told The Times.

"Assuming it's all true, what people do privately is up to them. I don't honestly believe (it) affects the sport in any way. Knowing Max it might be all a bit of a joke."